The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

PLANNING YOUR SPEECH / 259

Steps to
preparing
a speech

PREPARE YOUR OUTLINE

Write a one-page outline of

your speech. Think about the

issues you plan to raise,

the sequence in which you

will address each of them,

and the evidence you’ll offer

your audience in support

of those ideas.

CONSIDER VISUALS

Think about what visuals will

best enhance your speech,

by helping to explain,

reinforce, and clarify your

main points. Sometimes it is

easier to show the audience

something than to say it.

WRITE THE SPEECH

Now prepare the content of

your speech in detail. Some

people choose to write in

short bullet points, others

write their script out more

fully. Choose the way that

best suits you, but remember

that your audience want to

hear you speak to them,

not read to them.

Your purpose may

be purely to inform

your audience about a

topic, or to deliver your

opinions and judgments

You must be completely

familiar with both the

structure and the content

of your speech by the

time you deliver it

PREPARE YOUR NOTES

Finally, transfer your speech

into the notes you will use

to deliver it. These may be

bullet points on a PowerPoint

presentation, written notes

on notecards, or the full

manuscript.

US_258-259_Planning_Your_Speech.indd 259 30/05/16 3:04 pm